Festive markets function as one-stop holiday shops

The Holiday Shops at Bryant Park
The Holiday Shops at Bryant Park run through Sunday, Jan. 8, so procrastinators and last-minute shoppers have ample time to score items from these mostly one-of-a-kind shops. Shoppers can take a break from the holiday hubbub at Citi Pond, the park’s perennial free ice skating rink. Stop by the Coca-Cola Holiday Caravan on Saturday, Dec. 11, for a chance to take pictures with the big man in red himself, Santa Claus. The Holiday Shops at Bryant Park are open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Columbus Circle Holiday Market
New York City’s landmark round-a-bout hosts the 7th Annual Columbus Circle Holiday Market, presented by Urban Space. This is no flea market—the shops at this holiday market sell everything from high quality jewelry and gourmet food to oddball novelty gifts and handcrafted apparel. With store-filled Time Warner Center looming nearby, students can expect to start and finish their holiday shopping without having to leave the Upper West Side. The Market is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m until Saturday, Dec. 24.

Union Square Holiday Market
Urban Space also runs the Union Square Holiday Market downtown, an equally extravagant holiday shopping affair. While convenient for students wishing to meet up with friends from NYU and other downtown schools, the square quickly fills with overwhelming crowds. Make sure to visit during non-peak hours. The market runs daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Harlem Holiday Market
Students wishing to stay closer to campus—and avoid subway fees—can trek to the plaza at the Adam Clayton Powell Jr. State Office Building (163 W. 125th St., at Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard) for the First Annual Harlem Holiday Market. Over 25 vendors will sell their wares from Thursday, Dec. 15 to Sunday, Dec. 18.